Meet Aisling Halpin | Actor, Teacher, Choreographer, & Travel Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aisling Halpin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aisling, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Port Jefferson, NY but my family moved around a bit when I was younger. We settled in Cortland, NY. A small city in Central New York near Syracuse. I grew up in a Musical Theatre household. Both of my parents were performers and now teachers. Theatre was my life and I attended Syracuse University as a Musical Theatre Major. The past ten years, since graduating, I have worked as a professional performer.

Growing up in an artistic household definitely informs who I am today. But other values my parents instilled in me, like hard work and loyalty, are what I consider big parts of who I am at my core.

Connecting to “Travelista Ash”, my family is a big Disney Family! We took our first family trip in 2000 and have gone back every few years! A love of Theme Parks in general is something I get from my Dad for sure as well.

Other aspects of my love of travel come from the opportunities I’ve had in my performing career. I have performed in four national tours, spending years out on the road, visiting incredible cities all across the country. Those experiences are what awoke the Travel Bug in me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Travelista Ash is such an exciting new venture for me. I am part of the team at Travelista Travels, and it’s been so wonderful to enter this exciting industry, while still be able to pursue my performing career at the same time.

Building a following on Social Media is something I was incredibly intimidated by! But, I really just focus on being myself and bringing my unique voice to my accounts. I was so nervous about making videos, but I have actually found it quite fun!

What I bring to the table as a Disney Travel Agent is not only can I book your vacation package, I can also help you plan your entire itinerary! What I love most about the Disney Parks is there is truly something for everyone. Each trip needs to be unique to your travel party and I know all the ins and out to create that for you. Disney can now be so confusing to plan and it’s for sure getting more and more expensive, so I want my clients to go into their trips prepared and with an itinerary catered to exactly what will bring them joy! Finding the perfect Restaurant for my client’s special anniversary dinner, or being able to inform them where their little one can meet their favorite character is my favorite thing! Hearing from my clients about how much fun they had on their trips fills me with so much joy. Disney is a place to make memories that last a lifetime, that’s how my family always felt, so I want to share that with others.

As Travelista Ash, my accounts have a specific niche and brand. But me, Aisling , the human being, I like having a lot of things going on at once. I need to always be creating and never want to put myself in a box. Along with performing and the travel business; I also teach dance and choreograph! I’m also starting work on a theatre industry podcast so keep an eye out for that coming in 2023!

It’s a lot I know, hahah, but that’s how I have always been. I have so many interests and passions, I like to have my hand in a bit of everything!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a visit to NYC the possibilities are truly endless haha! The city that never sleeps has so much to offer.

For a friend that has never been to NYC before I would recommend a few more “touristy” things that are actually really fun! I would start with a quick coffee with a view! I love the city in the morning hours, it’s so peaceful! Taking in the morning light sitting at a cafe down in the Village or Soho is a great way to start the day. Then, my perfect day usually includes Brunch haha! My favorite picks for Brunch are Claudette and The Little Owl. If you want a Gossip Girl vibe I would also recommend Sarabeth’s! After brunch, pick a neighborhood to explore! Each area of Manhattan has a unique personality. My favorite areas to just window shop are the West Village and Upper East Side! Maybe then stop to get another coffee at Ralph’s on the east side or in Flatiron!  I would also always recommend going to see a show while you are here in NYC. This city is of course the home to Broadway; but there are also other venues to explore. Drunk Shakespeare is somewhere my husband and I love to take people visiting, it is always super fun night! Checking out an Opera or Ballet at Lincoln Center is also something so irresistibly “New York!”

I would also have to take them to my favorite restaurant in NYC, Buvette! Located in the West Village, this french restaurant is everything! For a fun touristy moment, this restaurant is also right down the block from the famous “Friends” apartment building exterior! After dinner we would then take a stroll around the village and stop by Magnolia Bakery to get a cupcake for dessert!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few shout outs I want to include:

Amanda Bisack : The owner of Travelista Travels. She really inspires me in my work as a travel agent every day, she took a chance on me and gave me a spot on the team and I am so grateful.

Judy Boals and Associates: My Agents: Judy, Jenna, and Katie! I’m so grateful for all the opportunities they have given me over the years. They have really helped me grow into the performer I am today.

My Teachers/ Coaches: I have trained with so many incredible people but to name a few: Eddie Schnecker, Spencer Glass, Lane Napper, Heidi Marshall, and Tim Davis Reid!

My friends and family: It may be a little cheesey, but I would be no where without the love and support of my friends and family! Especially my incredible Husband!

Website: www.aislinghalpin.com

Instagram: @TravelistaAsh

Other: Personal Instagram: @amhalpin Tik Tok Travel: @travelistaash Tik Tok Personal: @aaaisling5678

Image Credits
Maljpetphoto Eps photo